Host Chairs

You’ve seen hundreds of these chairs, but they have definitely become a less common part of dining rooms. These chairs are the ones placed at either end of the dining table. Typically complementary to all the other dining chairs, host chairs are usually different, setting them apart as special places of honor. They might be larger, have arms when other chairs don’t, be wing-backed, upholstered or just upholstered differently, or even be more of a lounge chair than a dining chair.

Whichever direction you choose to go with the style of the chair, the idea is to make them a more decorative element set against the more homogenous layout of the rest of the room.

Do You Need Host Chairs?

Ultimately, no. The host chair is not an essential part of your dining room and you can have many lovely, formal gatherings without them. You will, of course, need chairs to sit at the head and end of the dining table, but they need not be different than the other chairs.

However, we’d like to make the case for the host chair and the impact it can have on the room.

• First, as we stated before, they are an accent piece. The intention behind the host chair is incorporate a decorative piece that sets those stations at the table apart and allows you to build out your design concept even more.
• Second, they are attention grabbers. In minimalist and more subtle dining room layouts, the unique host chair can grab attention and act as that central, anchoring piece around which the rest of the room is built.
• Thirdly, we love host chairs because they’re an easy way to bring more than one chair design into your space. They add variety and character and, if you struggle to choose a favorite chair to place around your table, or need something different than a bench, then the host chair is there to be that infusion of expression.
• Finally, they make the experience feel special. There are often precious few times in life to really indulge in an experience and incorporating a host chair, with its luxurious silhouette, complementary materials, and ability to make a simple place at a table special, is just one way you can enhance the whole affair.

How to Pick the Perfect Host Chair

Before we offer our best suggestions for chairs, we’d like to share a few notes on how to choose the perfect host chair.

• Consider materials. Whatever material the other dining chairs are made from should be complemented by the host chair materials. Sometimes this is as simple as purchasing the unupholstered and upholstered version of the same chair. Other times this looks like pairing all-wood chairs with a velvet host chair.
• The host chair should be different. Even if it’s just a in a small way, the host chair should be different. You can choose the same style of chair but upholstered and with armrests. Or bring in a completely different style of chair to really capture the eye.
• Don’t forget the big picture. Ultimately, however, you must remember the bigger picture of the space.  Still consider the flow of the room, how this accent chair fits into the rest of the room’s style and aesthetic, and the functionality of the chair as a comfortable place to enjoy meals and conversation.
• The two chairs should match. While you may absolutely build a more avant garde space by choosing two different host chairs for either end of the table, we recommend they match. A set of two matching chairs act as bookends to the table and maintain harmony, both visually and symmetrically.

The Best Modern Dining Chairs

Finally, we get to the best part: choosing a host chair. Keep in mind that you’ll want two of them so if you’re working with a budget, price is a key element to consider. From a design standpoint, however, these are our favorite modern dining chairs to pull up to the table as host chairs.

Brutus Dining Chair

In large numbers, this Brutalist chair design might be overwhelming, but as host chairs, they are the perfect, bold accents to both minimalist and more industrials dining rooms. Crafted from concrete and available in a number of finishes, the Brutus Dining Chair is truly a statement.

Isabella Chair

Elegant and enveloping, the Isabella Chair has a three-legged base that offers a striking contrast to its beautifully soft, upholstered seat and wrapping back and armrest. This welcoming chair would work well alongside other metal chairs.

Burra Chair

The Burra Chair is distinctly modern, but has a very soft and delicate presence that makes  it a great addition to more modest dining rooms and a good companion to simple wood dining chairs. We love the unique armrests and the earthy upholstery color options for this chair.

Smoke Dining Chair

It’s hard to get more unique than a chair that has literally been burned during the production process. But that’s just what designer Maarten Baas wanted—a unique dining chair that utilized its unconventionality to straddle the line between art and design while offering a more comfortable seat for both every day and the more dramatic dining experiences.

E005 Embrace Armchair

The beauty of the Embrace Armchair is its open and authentic presence. Its solid wood frame and relaxed approach to upholstery make it a little less formal. But the EOO5 Embrace Armchair is still exquisite with its classic finger joints and classic silhouette. Another reason to love it is that it makes the perfect accent chair next to the E004 Embrace Chair so the two together will comprise your dining chair set.

Designing the Perfect Dining Room

Like the rest of your home, your dining room must reflect your personality and suit your lifestyle. So when it comes to designing the space, there isn’t exactly a wrong answer. From Scandinavian spaces that prioritize hygge aesthetics to more modern environments with sleek and refined expressions, there’s a way to add something a little different without incorporating a whole new element. Which is the real reason we love host chairs; they offer a chance to be a bit creative while maintaining the integrity of the space you’re styling.

Designing the perfect dining room starts with the dining table and chairs. Completing your vision and mastering the art of hosting might require a set of host chairs.

Browse HORNE’s collection of dining chairs to find the perfect seat.